On 12 September 1985 he was appointed Minister of Social Development, Youth and Sport, and was a member of the Federal Executive Council.
[4] Lt. Col. Ahmed Abdullahi was appointed Governor of Kwara State in 1986, known for his work on water provision and agricultural development.
He also encouraged agricultural cultivation by building fertilizer stores, agro-service centers, and tractor subsidy schemes.
In addition to his work on water and agriculture, Abdullahi also promoted industrial and commercial development in Kwara State.
Abdullahi's administration also introduced a program that provided matching grants to communities that embarked on communal projects in the priority areas of electricity, water, roads, and health.